After staying in Zhangjiakou for three days, my spending philosophy collapsed

🌟【Complete Zhangjiakou Guide】Explore the "Beijing Backyard" on a 1.5k budget! Grassland Sky Road self-drive + Winter Olympic venues check-in + ancient castle exploration, copy this off-the-beaten-path route directly!🏔️ 💰Budget breakdown (3 days 2 nights cost-effective trip) Total cost: about 1300-1800 RMB (suitable for students/budget travelers) • Accommodation: city economy hotels/homestays 150-250 RMB/night (e.g., Blue Whale Building Licheng Hotel from 145 RMB), about 300-500 RMB for 2 nights • Tickets: selected attraction combos (Grassland Sky Road free, Dajingmen Great Wall Scenic Area ticket, Taiwu Ski Resort summer sightseeing), some attractions offer consumption voucher discounts • Transportation: city bus + self-drive about 50 RMB/day, about 150 RMB for 3 days (high-speed train from Beijing to Zhangjiakou takes 1 hour) • Food: snacks + meals about 60-80 RMB/day (Youmian noodles 15 RMB/bowl, Chaigoubao smoked meat 30 RMB per person), about 200 RMB for 3 days ------ 📸 Must-visit attractions (with hidden tips) 1. Grassland Sky Road — China's most beautiful road self-drive feast🛣️ ◦ Free admission! 132 kilometers winding between Zhangbei grassland and Chongli, lush green in summer, wind turbines, terraces, and birch forests make for stunning photos ◦ Hidden tip: depart at 6 AM to avoid crowds, shoot sunrise and sea of clouds at Huapiling viewing platform; autumn aerial shots of colorful forests are breathtaking 2. Dajingmen Great Wall — the historic gate of the Great Wall's four famous passes🏯 ◦ The "Magnificent Rivers and Mountains" stone carving is a must-see landmark; climb the wall for panoramic views of Zhangjiakou and feel over 350 years of history ◦ Photography tip: arrive before 7:30 AM to avoid tour groups; shoot silhouettes at dusk when lights come on for a historic vibe 3. Chongli Winter Olympic Core Area — year-round celebration in the ice and snow kingdom⛷️ ◦ In winter, enjoy top ski resorts like Wanlong and Taiwu; in summer, take the cable car for views of the Winter Olympic ski jump and sea of clouds ◦ Bonus experience: hike the Taizicheng Ruins Park loop connecting Olympic venues and millennium-old historical sites 4. Nuanquan Ancient Town — a visual feast of the intangible cultural heritage "Da Shuhua" fireworks🎆 ◦ 800-year-old town, watch craftsmen perform "Da Shuhua" by splashing molten iron into starry showers, visit No. 6 Stone Alley to see old window paper-cutting ◦ In-depth tip: stay in a town homestay, shoot Qing and Ming dynasty architectural details early morning to avoid crowds, try Weixian paper-cutting DIY 5. Feihuyu · Aerial Grassland — the sky garden of the Taihang Mountains🌄 ◦ A wonder where canyon meets plateau, spring brings ten thousand acres of flowers, summer offers exploration of perennial ice caves, autumn is best for hiking ◦ Hidden spot: aerial shots after rain with mist swirling, wear bright clothes on the green meadow for standout photos ------ 🚗 3-day essential itinerary (lazy optimized version) Day 1: History and nature line Morning: Arrive in Zhangjiakou → Dajingmen Great Wall Scenic Area (check in at "Magnificent Rivers and Mountains" stone carving) → Zhangjiakou City Museum Afternoon: West section of Grassland Sky Road (enter at Yehuling, exit at Huapiling, shoot wind turbines) → horseback riding at Zhongdu Grassland Evening: Stay in a Mongolian yurt in Zhangbei (experience roast whole lamb, stargazing) Day 2: Winter Olympic and ancient town line Morning: Chongli Taiwu Town (take cable car to see sea of clouds + check in Winter Olympic venues) Afternoon: Nuanquan Ancient Town (Da Shuhua performance + Weixian paper-cutting experience) → Feihuyu Canyon hiking Evening: Return to city to try Chaigoubao smoked meat and Weixian Eight Bowls Day 3: Ecological leisure line Morning: Cycling at Guanting Reservoir National Wetland Park → wine tasting at Huailai Winery Afternoon: Explore Jimingyi Ancient City (Ming dynasty courier station remains) → buy Xuanhua milk grapes before departure ------ 🍜 Food highlights (local certified) • Must-try staples: ◦ Bashang Youmian noodles: Erdaogou Youmian Village is the most authentic, five cooking methods each with unique flavor ◦ Chaigoubao smoked meat: fragrant pine aroma, crispy red skin, tender and chewy, perfect with baked flatbread • Snack soul: ◦ Weixian Fentuo: paired with spicy oil and vinegar sauce, sour and spicy appetizer, 5 RMB per serving at night market ◦ Halal Mendin Meat Pie: limited supply at Muslim restaurants, crispy outside and tender inside • Specialty drinks: ◦ Sea buckthorn juice: pairs well with smoked meat to cut greasiness, sweet and refreshing ◦ Huailai wine: similar geographic environment to Bordeaux, rich taste ------ 💡 Helpful Tips 1. Transportation: follow "Zhangjiakou Culture and Tourism" WeChat official account to get consumption vouchers covering tickets, dining, and accommodation 2. Season: June-August for grassland summer cool, September-October for splendid autumn colors, November-March best for skiing 3. Clothing: big temperature difference on grassland, bring a jacket, comfortable sports shoes essential (many hiking sections) 4. Discounts: student ID offers discounts at some attractions, buying tickets in advance is more cost-effective ✨ Compiling this guide was not easy, like and save to unlock more details～ 💌 For reservation methods of each attraction, leave a message to ask, I will try my best to answer!